Process for the enhancement of caramel colorant

Abstract

Disclosed is a process for the rapid enhancement of caramel colorant which comprises passing a liquid containing caramel colorant through a size exclusion chromatographic material while subjecting the liquid to centrifugal forces. The process for the enhancement of caramel colorant can be conducted in a relatively short period of time and produces a caramel colorant of improved coloring power and a reduced content of undesirable or non-color contributing substances.

It is claimed: 
     
       1. A process for enhancing the colorant properties of caramel colorant comprising passing an aqueous liquid containing caramel colorant through a size exclusion chromatographic material while subjecting the liquid to centrifugal force of about 10 G to about 2000 G and then collecting the caramel containing liquid having enhanced colorant properties. 
     
     
       2. A process of claim 1 in which the centrifugal force is about 160 to 1000 G. 
     
     
       3. A process of claim 1 or 2 in which the caramel colorant is acid-proof caramel. 
     
     
       4. A process of claim 1 or 2 in which said aqueous liquid contains about 20 to 60% solids. 
     
     
       5. A process of claim 4 in which the caramel colorant is acid-proof caramel.